New head unit on the way...

[RZAwora]

Took the plunge tonight and ordered a new head unit online. I ordered a Kenwood DDX419. After a stop at a local audio store and checking different units I pretty much fell in love with it. Read some reviews online and in the forum so I pursued it. The shop I was at wanted $500 for the unit and $150 for the interfaces. I found a deal on the unit at $290 online and ordered a Crux interface which will keep my chimes, OnStar, steering wheel controls, and Bose amplifier. The interface was $70. The head unit is a factory refurbished model, and I'm happy with that for the price. I've had good luck with factory refurbished electronics in the past. For $360 total I felt I couldn't go wrong. It looks like it'll do everything I want it to. Not top of the line, but good enough for me. Pics to follow once I get it and finished installing it. I still need to order a backup camera and the iPod/iPhone connector thing.
I'm going to want to bypass the parking brake thing so I'll be able to play videos while driving. Do I need to order one of those bypass thingies off eBay or is there another way to do it?

 

[RZAwora]

I'm going to want to bypass the parking brake thing so I'll be able to play videos while driving. Do I need to order one of those bypass thingies off eBay or is there another way to do it?

Found the answer to my question on a car audio forum...all I have to do is ground out the parking brake wire to bypass on this specific head unit. Easy enough! :wootwoot:

 

[Boricua SS]

lucky you... i have to run a relay for my Pioneer to play DVD's while driving... MichBlaze just installed the same Kenwood HU too... looks like a pretty good unit..

 

[RZAwora]

lucky you... i have to run a relay for my Pioneer to play DVD's while driving... MichBlaze just installed the same Kenwood HU too... looks like a pretty good unit..

Yeah, seeing it in the store, and seeing the photos of it installed in his truck is pretty much what set me on my way to get it. I thought I'd have to run a relay too, but after searching around a lot of places, I've found that Kenwood just needs grounded out. Hopefully that's all it needs and all goes well. I'll have MAY03LT helping me do the install since he lives close by and he's the electronics guru. I think this unit has everything I would use it for. The interface will retain the SWC, OnStar (not that I use it), chimes, and the BOSE amp. This should be done by next weekend at the latest hopefully. I still have to order the iPhone connector, apparently it's specific and need to order a Kenwood one(?), also need to order a backup camera.

 

[RZAwora]

My new head unit from Crutchfield is in Maryland working its way to me in Delaware as I type this. It has a tracking number and will be delivered tomorrow. Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me...